From the River Etherow near Graphite Way, continue to follow the path by the river for a short distance until you reach a footbridge across the river, cross over the bridge and stay on the straight path for 60m where you see some makeshift stepping stones over a stream. After crossing the stream, turn right and follow the path along the river. Stay on the main path and turn right when you get to wider path near the school (green fence), follow this path east until you reach New Road, turn right on New Road and just before the traffic lights turn left into Bank Lane. Take the footpath on the right, down the steps and you’ll reach Bottoms Reservoir.

The River Etherow rises in the Redhole Spring and Wike Head area of Pikenaze Moor in Derbyshire, the river broadens into the Longdendale Chain of reservoirs (Woodhead, Torside, Rhodeswood, Valehouse and Bottoms reservoirs). It emerges again in Tintwistle, at the foot of Bottoms Reservoir dam, later it is joined by Glossop Brook and flows into the River Goyt near Marple. Four miles downstream the River Goyt joins the Rive Tame and becomes the start of the River Mersey.

From the River Etherow follow the Trans Pennine Trail / NCN62, crossing over Woolley Bridge Road and follow the footpath back towards Woolley Lane.

The River Etherow rises in the Redhole Spring and Wike Head area of Pikenaze Moor in Derbyshire, the river broadens into the Longdendale Chain of reservoirs (Woodhead, Torside, Rhodeswood, Valehouse and Bottoms reservoirs). It emerges again in Tintwistle, at the foot of Bottoms Reservoir dam, later it is joined by Glossop Brook and flows into the River Goyt near Marple. Four miles downstream the River Goyt joins the Rive Tame and becomes the start of the River Mersey.